Vistas
PINNACLE
the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az |
January 2015
PINNACLE THEOLOGICAL CENTER presents
Presbyterian Views of Marriage Sunday, January 18 | 11:15-1 pm | Fellowship Hall Rev. Dr. Chip Hardwick PCUSA Director of Theology, Worship and Education
When asked about what marriage means, people give a variety of answers. Each answer we give has a meaning, purpose and reason behind it. Join us for an extended forum to discuss the meaning of marriage and the PCUSA theologies of marriage. Lunch is included at no charge.
God and E.T. Saturday, January 31 | 4 pm | Chapel Dr. Paul Davies Professor and Director of The Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science Arizona State University a Francis W. Park Memorial Lecture Co-Sponsor: Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
What are the religious implications of the search for extra-terrestrial life? Join us as expert and physicist Dr. Paul Davies expounds on the connection between extra-terrestrial life and faith. Following Davies’ lecture, Dr. Ron ColeTurner, Professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will give a theologian’s response.
Tracings A Letter from Dr. Wesley Avram
Dear friends, During the years I've been in parish ministry I've always set aside my January church newsletter letter to reflect on a new year, new beginnings, and new faith commitment. It's the time of year for that, after all. This year is no exception, except that I find myself thinking about the new year a little differently this time round. Write it off to middle age, or maybe Dr. Wes Avram, some learning. Either way, I'm wondering if it's really Senior Pastor enough to simply call the new year a chance to start over, or a chance to recommit, or a chance to make good on those things you've been telling yourself you want to do and dive in. I'm wondering if alongside looking forward, the beginning of the new year might be as much a chance to look backward. The Bible is full of new beginnings, with directions to go forth. But as you read words of fresh starts there, telling us to put our hands to the plow and put our face forward, you also see that in nearly every case in scripture of future thinking there is an accompanying call to rethink, reclaim, remember, and re-describe the past. In response to all the new things that Christ's spirit brought, for example, the author of John looks back and sees Jesus present at the beginning of all creation. Paul discovers Jesus to be spoken of in the Hebrew Scriptures that came long before Jesus. And the disciples walking to Emmaus hear the history of Please see TRACINGS on page 9
INSIDE... AMIGOS ANNUAL WINE TASTING EVENT is January 30 SEE PAGE 4 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY needs you SEE PAGE 5 MEET our newest members SEE PAGE 9
2
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
PINNACLE THEOLOGICAL CENTER
Faith And Science Round Table: The Work of Scientist Paul Davies Dr. Kim Bussey and David Shaller Wednesday, January 7 | 7 pm | Chapel Library In preparation for the Frank Park Memorial Lecture, God and E.T., the group will be studying the work of our world-renown speaker, Paul Davies. Davies is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, astrobiologist, best-selling author and professor of Physics at ASU. Learn, grow and be equipped for this special event.
ADULT EDUCATION
Clash of Cultures Alan Stone January 11, 25 & February 15 | 11:15 am | Chapel January 11 - Native American Givers: The surprising story of how Native American foods, tools, ideas, inventions and language led to the changing of European culture here and abroad. For example, Native American foods make up about 60% of the world's food supply; we use Native American words every day, we play their games, we mimic their totems, and more. January 25 - The Columbian Exchange: The story of how Europeans, and eventually Americans, brought new ideas, new animals, new crops, new plants, new religion, and new threats, forever changing both the Native American's world and American culture. February 15 - Native Americans Today: A quick statistical look at where Native Americans are today and what they continue to contribute as citizens of the U.S., with a particular look at our Arizona neighbors, who make up only 5% of the state's population, but make a much larger imprint on our lives. Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
3
OUR COMMON LIFE
Appetizers With a Kick January 25 | 11:15 am | Sanctuary Patio The Super Bowl is right around the corner, right here in Phoenix. In preparation, we want to invite you to bring your favorite appetizer to share (homemade or store bought) to kick-off the festivities during hospitality. See you on the patio after worship!
Amigos 6th Annual Wine Tasting and Italian Dinner Friday, January 30 | 6 pm | Legend Trails Community Center Save the date for Amigo’s Wine Tasting and Italian Dinner - this is a fun event you will not want to miss. Wine tasting begins at 6 pm and dinner will follow at 7:30. The cost is $25 per person. A silent auction of wines will take place after dinner. Bruce and Anita Baudler will be our talented organizers. Join us for some quality time and the chance to increase your wine knowledge as presented by the experts from Total Wine. Look for the signup tables on the patio after 10 am worship on January 11, 18 and 25. Or you may contact Ed and Nancy Hargest at amigos@pinnaclepres.org. Amigos is our fellowship group for members over 50. Our mission is to provide opportunities for people to make new friends within the Church and to deepen the friendships they already have. 4
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
MISSION AT PINNACLE
PPC Builds Again for Habitat for Humanity... ...and once again we need workers. This year the new owner will be Karen Mendez, a single mom with a one-year-old daughter. She is originally from El Salvador and works in a call center. The work dates for us are March 7 (roofing), March 21 (drywall), April 25 (inside painting), May 30 (touch-up/punch list). The home will be at 5228 S. 14th Street in Phoenix. If you can help, contact Carl Richie at habitat@pinnaclepres.org.
Annual Andre House Blanket Drive Our goal this year is to collect 50 blankets and you can help! Bring new or gently used blankets (twin/double only), and also sleeping bags to the Chapel and Sanctuary narthexes this month. We have collected 26 blankets so far - we hope you can help us meet our goal!
Pinnacle Adopt-A-Family Helps 21 Families Thank you to the generous Pinnacle members and friends who helped 21 families have a happier Christmas this year. Over $3,100 and many thoughtful gifts were donated to the Adopt-A-Family program. Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
5
Pinnacle Concert Series
The Charles Lewis Quintet AND ALL THAT JAZZ Friday, January 9, 2015 | 7:30 pm Premium Seating: $35 General Admission: $20; Student: Free
Few names in the jazz community command more respect than Charles Lewis, the first jazz-category inductee of the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Mark Kroos, Guitarist UNIQUE DOUBLE NECK GUITAR Friday, January 16, 2015 | 7:30 pm Premium Seating: $45 General Admission: $27 Main Floor Rear: $15; Student: Free
The style of Mark Kroos is characterized by open harmonies, polyphonic textures, incredible tapping technique, and is as entertaining to watch as it is to hear.
The Brothers Four TRY TO REMEMBER Sunday, January 25, 2015 | 4:00 pm Premium Seating: $45 General Admission: $27 Main Floor Rear: $15; Student: Free The smooth sounds of The Brothers Four have delighted millions for 50 years. Their all-acoustic performances include guitars, banjo, mandolin, upright bass and the trademark rich blend of their four voices. 6
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
First Day SONGS OF PRAISE AND INSPIRATION Friday, January 30, 2015 7:30 pm Premium Seating: $45 General Admission: $27 Main Floor Rear: $15 Student: Free From the “First Day” these vocalists joined forces they have captivated and inspired audiences of all ages with their unique blend of a cappella music. First Day is a five-man all-vocal band performing contemporary songs of praise in the southern gospel style.
Time Out for the Arts Pedals, Pipes & Pizza
Saturday, January 24, 2015 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Sanctuary Pedals, Pipes and Pizza is a free program designed to introduce young piano students (grades 4-12) to the pipe organ. There will be a demonstration of the inner workings of the organ, and each young person registered will receive an organ lesson using their current piano repertoire. A pizza lunch will be provided, and the event will end with a student recital. Space is limited, so please register early by calling Brent Hylton, Director of Music/Organist at 480.585.9448 x213 or by email at bhylton@pinnaclepres.org. FOR MORE INFORMATION about our Music Ministry, please check our website at www.pinnaclepres.org/music/
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
7
PINNACLE FINANCE REPORT 11/30/14 YTD Actual
11/30/13 YTD Actual
2014 vs 2013
%
Total Income
$683,142
$555,267
$127,875
23%
Total Expenditures
$794,431
$791,635
($2,796)
0%
($111,289)
($236,368)
$125,079
(Over)/Under Cash Available for Operations
$46,725
Year-to-date through November 2014, total income was higher than last year's November YTD by 23%, or $127,875, which was mainly due to generous non-pledged giving. We did another good job of managing our total expenditures to be approximately the same as last year. Our personnel expense is lower than last year and our maintenance and communications expenses were higher than this time last year to offset each other. Overall the shortfall was $111,000, but $125,000 better than last year at this time.
8
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
STEWARDSHIP AT PINNACLE
Stewardship Update The Stewardship Ministry Group would like to thank everyone who gave so generously to the many ministries of PPC in 2014. Many of you (180 to be exact) have completely fulfilled the pledges you made in 2014, and we are very grateful for that! We hope to receive the rest of the 2014 pledged giving by the end of the year, and we all know 2015 is right around the corner. There are 158 pledges that have not yet been fulfilled, totaling just over $162,000. If your circumstances still allow, please remember that every fulfilled pledge helps us keep our ministries thriving! We should also note that unexpected property expenses, investments in the future by completing our pastoral staff at long last, and a downturn in giving after our successful mortgage campaign have combined to leave a gap between 2014 giving and expenses larger than those unfulfilled pledges. We've reduced some expenses that don't directly impact our ministries, but to continue moving forward and avoid reductions that will impact our ministries we encourage you to consider an additional gift. And, of course, if you haven't yet committed for 2015, we hope you will! May God bless you and yours.
TRACINGS from page 2 their people told in a new way by the hidden Christ walking with them. There are many more examples in both testaments. So us too? Can we embrace what God has for us not only by saying “yes” to the future, but also by looking back and retelling the past in light of new knowledge, new faith, and new trust? Can God guide us to see, repent, reconcile, and discover new gifts even in our memories? I hope God will. And I hope you’ll be blessed. Happy New Year,
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
9
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Church School Sneak Peak This month, the children in our Godly Play Class (3’s-Kindergarten) will begin hearing the New Testament stories of Jesus’ life and teaching. These stories will come to life as adult storytellers use small figures and other teaching aids as they speak so the kids not only hear the stories but become part of them. Our 1st - 5th graders will be looking at commitment and what it means to practice our faith. To help our children learn how to be committed to God we want to teach faith skills. Each week children will talk about a different faith skill (Hear, Pray, Talk and Live) as we talk about making a plan for our faith and putting it into practice.
POW! Starts on January 14 Come join us for the spring semester of Pinnacle on Wednesdays (POW!) program. Included in the weekly activities are a fellowship dinner, singing and ringing choir rehearsals, and Christian education classes for all ages. We are eager to begin the spring season and hope you'll join us! For more information contact Marilyn Hylton at mhylton@pinnaclepres.org or 480.585.9448 x241
Club 45 Meets on January 25 Club 45, our Fellowship Group for 4th and 5th graders, is meeting on January 25 in the afternoon. Check your email for details, and feel free to bring a friend. 10
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Vacation Bible School is June 1 - 5 If you are looking for a chilly way to start your summer, we have something in store for you. This year at Pinnacle’s Vacation Bible School we will cool off with Everest VBS, where children will explore one of the most majestic, beautiful (and sometimes dangerous!) places on earth. They will join climbing crews to “trek” through our Everest VBS, discovering God’s power and promises all along the way. Vacation Bible School is always a great place for kids to learn about and experience God’s love, and this year will be no exception. If you would like to be involved in the planning stages of this, please contact Frank Harmon at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org. Vacation Bible School is open to children from age 4 through 5th grade, and children can begin as volunteers when they enter 6th grade. Registration information to follow - but planning is underway, so sign up now to be a part of this exciting adventure!
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
11
YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Last chance to sign up for an amazing ski weekend!!! Join us on January 16 - 19 as we head back up to Sunrise Ski Resort for a weekend of skiing. The cost this year is $325, which includes your transportation, lodging, food (except on the drive up and back), lift tickets and rental equipment. $100 deposit is due upon registration. The full balance of the trip must be paid by January 11, 2015. This is a great time to get away and enjoy some time together as a group. Please get your registration and medical forms in by January 4. All forms can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/connect-youth/
Jr. High Winter Camp 6-8th grade | February 20-22 | Cornville, AZ Cost $125 ($100 for additional siblings) Our Junior High, (6th - 8th grade) will be heading back up to Cornville this winter for our annual Jr. High Winter camp on February 20 - 22, (note this is not Presidents Day Weekend). Registration forms and $100 deposit are due January 11, and final payment is due by February 1. This will be a great time to have fun, play games, engage in adventures and grow closer to God and each other. We hope that you will consider joining us for this great time together. Medical forms and permission forms must be on file and can be found on our website, along with registration forms, at www.pinnaclepres.org/connect-youth/. 12
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Souper Bowl of Caring February 1 | Following 8:00 am and 10:00 am Services This coming February, the eyes of the nation, and much of the world, will be on Phoenix as we host the XLIX Super Bowl. While all eyes are on us for the big game, Pinnacle Youth will join local schools, businesses, and community organizations to tackle hunger through Souper Bowl of Caring. Our Youth will collect money for this worthwhile cause following both services on February 1. All money collected will go to benefit Andre House, one of our ministry partners that helps feed the poor. Teens, contact Frank Harmon if you would like to help serve.
Jr. and Sr. High Super Bowl Party February 1 | 3:30 - 8:00 pm | Harmon Residence With the Super Bowl being held in Phoenix this year, our town is set to be filled with excitement. To add to that excitement, Becca and Frank Harmon would like to invite all those in Jr. and Sr. high to their home to watch the big game. The Harmons will provide the main dish and drinks. They ask those in Jr. High to bring a side dish, and those in Sr. High to bring a dessert.
Pinnacle’s Annual Rummage Sale March 27 & 28 Now that the holidays are behind us, we are starting to prepare for our annual Rummage Sale. If you have any items you wish to donate, please hold on to them. We will start collecting furniture and other large items this month. If you have big items that you need to donate now or smaller items that you would like picked up in March, please contact Frank Harmon at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org, so he can start making arrangements. Our Rummage Sale is the main fundraiser for our Sr. High Mission Trip. Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
13
PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Registration for Fall 2015-16 We will begin registration for the 2015-2016 school year in January, 2015. Parents new to the PPP community are strongly encouraged to attend a tour of the preschool prior to registering for the 2015-2016 school year to learn more about our dynamic school community. Tours are offered on a regular basis and scheduled in advance to limit the number of interruptions in the classrooms. These tours are intended for parents only, due to the information received, and will allow parents to give their full attention. Later, if the decision has been made to enroll your child in PPP, you can call to schedule a time to bring them by to see the school. Please contact the preschool office at 480585-9448 x2 to schedule Preschoolers project work: learning about maps. a tour. Priority registration is reserved for families that currently have children enrolled at Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool, church members for six months or more, or siblings of former students. Priority registration begins January 9, 2015. Open Applicants are those families in our community that are new to Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool. Open registration begins January 20, 2015. The deadline for all registration forms and fees will be February 2. Notification of placement will be on February 20, 2015. Wait lists are formed for families who are interested in the current school year. Interest lists are formed in September, 2015 for families inquiring for future program opportunities. Our program runs for nine months and closely follows the calendars of our neighboring public schools. 14
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Preschool Children Present Gifts to Worshippers on Christmas Eve
This Christmas individuals and families who attend Christmas Eve services at Pinnacle were surprised with beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments on their way out. More than 900 clay ornaments were made especially for the occasion by our youngsters (ages 3-5) at the Pinnacle Preschool. The colorful ornaments are an example of the wonderful creativity and fun our Preschoolers experience on a daily basis. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit www.pinnaclepres.org/learn-preschool
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
15
OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Jan and Gene Kolasny
Joanne and Jim McDowell
Sharon & David Miller
Linda and Greg Moorhead
16
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
OUR COMMON LIFE
VistasDIGITAL FLIPBOOK
PINNACLE
We have had a great reponse to our new flipbook version of Vistas. Many are very pleased at our efforts to keep administrative costs down, as we expect to reduce the cost to print and distribute our newsletter by almost $1,000 per month. People also like the user-friendly features that can’t be duplicated in a printed version - like the way you can click a link to sign up for an event via email, or click another link to read more about an upcoming concert (and purchase tickets while you are at it!) If you have not received a flipbook version of Vistas, please check with us to make sure we have your current email address on file. Printed copies of Vistas will always be available in the kiosks in the narthexes in the Chapel, Sanctuary, and in Fellowship Hall. But if you would prefer to continue to receive printed Vistas in the mail, please contact the church office at office@pinnaclepres.org to let us know. If we do not hear from you by January 15, we will assume you do not wish to continue to receive printed Vistas, and beginning with the February 2015 issue, a copy will not be sent.
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
17
HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS January 1 Bashir Ararso Susan Evans January 2 Bryan Babits Mary Brockman Mitch Christensen Beth Heisler F. Lamar Kelsey Dania Kinney January 3 Oscar McNally Becky Niven January 4 Garry Frandson Tina Hirsch January 5 Lila Kleinkopf January 6 Sharon Miller January 7 Grant Bryce Ashley Lonergan Sean Lonergan Zachary Rash Lynn Veale Nancy Way January 8 Phyllis James Gabrielle Morris Wave Simpson Jerre Stead Paulette White January 9 Michael Bankoff Kirsten Bigler Doris Bowers Marilyn Braun Jim Callison Joan Fudala Charlotte Murray Claire Pickett January 10 Wilson Coulter Brent Diedrich 18
David Patton Jana Skarnulis January 11 Holly Fechtmeyer Shawn Howard Charles Lucky Rebecca Slegers Jim Stull January 13 Joan Dopp Christine Schild Larry Willson January 14 Sofia Mancini Mary Miller Terry Swicegood January 15 Steven Hill June Keegan January 16 Phillip Ball Lois Benson Audrey Bush Randy De Fusco Laura Stone January 17 A.J. Dahlby Glenda Earle January 18 Pattie Whittington January 19 Bonnie Marshall Molly McDonald January 21 Arleen Hazen Cheryl Jung John Kilbridge Wyatt Richards January 22 Graham Armknecht Caroline Armknecht Susan Baer Jennifer Kaul Hayden Lewis Tristan O'Connor
January 23 Kim Baerveldt Chelsea Ball Susan Brousseau Katherine Rosenfeld Morgan Sheaffer Rick Sherrin January 24 Sean Doche Molly Lampkin Lisa Patel Melisa Rose Kathryn Topping January 25 John King Tyler Phillips Jan Premo Emma Wilson January 26 Viviana Biggs Elaine Coulter Margaret Ebert Emily Joachim Mary Helen Lynn Ruth O'Brien Candy Richards Carol Stull Gary Zimmerman January 27 Logan Leonesio Sake Reindersma Kallie Schmidt January 28 Evan Armstrong Lesley Bush Isabelle Emig Mike Foley January 29 Sue Borman Elsa Davis Jordyn Doche Jewel Hunt Hoffmann Suzanne White
Continued on Next Page Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS January 30 Betty Crow Jack Fantetti Ginny Lonn Isabel Matheson Collin Thorstenson
January 31 Jacob Copple Kallianne Downing Dan Fowlkes
DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY ON FILE? If not, please call the church office.
OUR CHURCH FAMILY OUR SYMPATHY: To Harold Larson and family on the death of his wife, Kathryn Larson. To the family of Bob Adams. To Scott MacGregor on the death of his father. To the family of Dave Rewick. To Mary Miller on the death of her husband, Adair Miller BAPTISM: London Mae Latowsky, child of Brenda and Aaron Latowsky
PINNACLE ONLINE CHURCH WEBSITE Please visit Pinnacle’s website, pinnaclepres.org, for the weekly calendar and activity listings, photos and other important news. You can also listen to sermons online.
iTUNES PODCAST Subscribe to the free Pinnacle Sermon Podcast through the Apple iTunes
FOLLOW PINNACLE
VISTAS ONLINE Download PDFs of Pinnacle
Store and have sermons
Join Pinnacle’s
automatically downloaded
to your computer or iPod.
page or follow
Open iTunes and search
‘PinnaclePres’ on Twitter to
Find out more about all of
for “Pinnacle Presbyterian
keep up with church events,
this by going to
Church.”
news, and more.
www.pinnaclepres.org.
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015
Vistas to read online or email to friends and family.
19
Scottsdale Rd.
Pinnacle Peak Rd.
Happy Valley Rd.
TIME DATED MATERIAL
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
25150 N. PIMA RD. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 | PINNACLEPRES.ORG
Pima Rd.
PERMIT #815 PHOENIX, AZ
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE
NONPROFIT ORG.